NEW INFO: SR 530 now open to two-way traffic near Oso

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SR 530 near Oso (Photo: WSDOT)

SNOHOMISH COUNTY — State Route 530 to two-way traffic on Friday, officials told Q13 FOX News. Crews finished repairing the section of the highway that was blocked by after the Oso landslide.

Crews have been working for weeks to create safe conditions for drivers — patching, repaving and striping the highway.

Traffic was only allowed through one-way at a time since late May. Drivers had to wait and follow a pilot car in alternating directions.

“This temporary roadway will help to strengthen connections between Arlington, Oso and Darrington, as well as the rest of our state, just in time for summer visits to local events,” said Washington State Department of Transportation Regional Administrator Lorena Eng. “We would like to thank these communities for their patience as we build a new, permanent roadway that will be more resilient into the future.”

The rules

The speed limit stays at 25 miles-per-hour as construction crews will still be in the area. Oversized loads will need a permit to use SR 530 in this area.

WSDOT says to periodically expect flaggers on the highway as roadwork continues.

What’s next?

Workers will be working through the summer building a permanent new section of the highway which will be just south of the temporary bypass.

WSDOT officials say the landslide changed the valley floor which increased the chance of flooding along the corridor. Work should begin by July starting on the east side of the slide area, then moving west.

Crews hope to have the new highway alignment finished by October.

Federal emergency relief funds are paying for the $28.1 million cost of the highway reconstruction project.